Joints that stay tight,
under vibration.
Self-locking, patch-locked and prevailing-torque fasteners hold preload on joints exposed to vibration and thermal cycling — automotive bodies, robotic arms, machinery and rail equipment — without relying on the operator to re-check torque.
Preload that doesn't disappear on the road
Loosening begins when vibration causes relative slip between the threads. Our anti-loosening families stop that slip three ways: nylon or adhesive patch on the threads, wedge-locking geometry, or a prevailing-torque deformed thread. The right choice depends on reusability, temperature and how often the joint must be opened.
- Nylon-patch (nylock) and chemical-adhesive patch options
- Wedge-locking flanged screws and paired washers
- Prevailing-torque deformed thread for repeated assembly
- Qualified to DIN 6515 / ISO 16130 vibration testing
- Grade 8.8 / 10.9 steel and stainless variants
Locking methods, materials & performance
Performance is stated for each locking method on standard specimens; real retention depends on clamp length, friction and preload, which our engineers validate for the actual joint.
Material & locking options
| Method | Reusable | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon patch (nylock) | 5 – 15 cycles | General vibration, consumer & machinery |
| Chemical adhesive patch | Limited | Permanent, high-vibration joints |
| Wedge-locking flange | Reusable | Automotive, rail, heavy machinery |
| Prevailing-torque thread | Reusable | High-cycle assembly, robotics |
Size range & performance
| Parameter | Typical value | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Thread sizes | M3 – M12 | Custom per drawing |
| Property class | 8.8 / 10.9 / A2-70 | ISO 898-1 |
| Vibration retention | ≥ 1000 cycles, no back-off | ISO 16130 |
| Prevailing torque | 0.4 – 3.0 N·m | By thread size |
| Operating temperature | -50 °C to 150 °C | Patch dependent |
| Salt spray | 48 – 96 h | Zinc / zinc-nickel |
Where vibration would otherwise win
- Automotive chassis, suspension and body closures
- Industrial robot arms and end-of-arm tooling
- Wind turbine, rail and heavy-machinery bolted joints
- HPC and server racks subject to fan and pump vibration
Anti-loosening is a joint design decision, not just a part choice. We match the locking method to your reusability, temperature and assembly tooling so the joint stays preload without over-costing it.
Model your vibration jointSee them in action
Explore how locking fasteners are applied across automotive, robotics and machinery vibration environments.
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View familyAnti-loosening questions we hear most
No single method wins every case. Nylon-patch locks are cost-effective and reusable; wedge-locking geometry is the most robust on heavy vibration; prevailing-torque threads suit high-cycle automated assembly. We specify the method after reviewing clamp length, reusability and the actual vibration spectrum.
A standard nylon patch retains locking torque for roughly 5–15 assembly cycles before the polymer wears. For high-service-cycle joints we recommend wedge-locking or prevailing-torque designs, which lock mechanically rather than by polymer friction.
Yes. Patch and prevailing-torque screws add an installation torque component that must be subtracted from target preload. We supply the recommended installation torque for your property class and friction so your torque tool is set correctly.
Getting called back for a loosening fastener?
Send us the joint, the vibration environment and how often it must be serviced — we'll recommend the locking method and supply the qualifying torque data.
